Charities call for participation in landmark research
Charities across the sight loss sector are calling for people with vision impairment to take part in a landmark research study.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust have jointly launched the study to uncover the realities of life for blind and partially sighted people in the UK today.
The research, which will be conducted by interviews with hundreds of people, will help build an accurate and up-to-date view of the experiences and needs of blind and partially sighted people. The results will be shared across the sector to improve services and support for people with a vision impairment.
Hilary Ingleton, Head of Research and Insight at RNIB, said: “This new study is the first of its kind. By working collaboratively with Guide Dogs and Thomas Pocklington Trust, we can generate better intelligence, which can then be shared across the sector to make a bigger impact. By taking part, you will have a direct hand in the future of support for blind and partially sighted people in the UK.”
Helen Vaterlaws-Whiteside, Head of Innovation at Guide Dogs, said: “It’s vital that we really understand the needs of blind and partially people and the realities of their lives so we can offer the right support. We want to hear in-depth about people’s experiences, hopes and ambitions, so by taking part in this research you can help us shape and develop the services people with sight loss need and expect.”
Phil Ambler, Director of Evidence and Policy at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: “This research will be used to inform our work, helping us to target our services, working jointly to make a positive difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.”
Research will be carried out via a telephone interview by our research partners Acumen and DJS Research which may last up to 50 minutes. Participation is entirely voluntary; you can withdraw from the study at any time and all data is anonymised. To register interest in taking part, please call 0161 507 7360, email sightlossresearch@acumenfieldwork.com or visit bit.ly/3lmPmSG
Ends
Notes to editors
All media enquiries to RNIB’s PR team on 0207 391 2223 or pressoffice@rnib.org.uk or for urgent enquiries out-of-hours, please call 07968 482812.
About RNIB
We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Every six minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. RNIB is taking a stand against exclusion, inequality and isolation to create a world without barriers where people with sight loss can lead full lives. A different world where society values blind and partially sighted people not for the disabilities they’ve overcome, but for the people they are.
RNIB. See differently.
Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
About Thomas Pocklington Trust
Thomas Pocklington Trust is a national charity dedicated to enabling and empowering blind and partially sighted people of all ages to live the life they want to lead. We are committed to increasing awareness and understanding of their needs and aspirations, to working with partners and to developing and implementing services which meet these needs to increase independence and improve lives.
www.pocklington-trust.org.uk
About Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs is here to help the two million people living with sight loss live the life they choose. Children and adults. Friends and family. Our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help people affected by sight loss live actively, independently and well. Founded in 1934, following our first guide dog partnership in 1931, we are a charity that is almost entirely dependent on donations. Find out more at
guidedogs.org.uk
Join our mailing list
If you would like to receive regular news and updates about our work, then you can sign up to our mailing list.